Councillors are set to approve a planned £10m Stockton leisure complex - despite a claim it is being built in the wrong spot.

Developers say the complex near All Saints Church of England Academy would feature a swimming pool, gym as well as an enhanced library and exercise studios.

But a UKIP councillor is attempting to thwart the plans, claiming it would be built “on the most ridiculous position that it could be placed.”

Developers hope to build the new complex on the academy’s car park, meaning the school’s car park would have to move.

In his objection, Ingleby Barwick town councillor Ted Strike said: “The roundabout at the school is the busiest roundabout on the estate and adding even more traffic will only make things worse, especially at peak times.

“The leisure centre is a much-needed facility, and one which should have been provided by (Stockton Council) many years ago, however not on this location.”

Artist's impression of the centre (Image: Stockton Council)

“I believe the perfect place for the leisure centre would be on the outskirts of the estate, which would allow people from other areas to attend without increasing traffic especially during peak periods.”

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But his sole objection doesn’t look like it will stop the plans going ahead, with councillors urged to approve them when they go before the authority’s planning committee on February 1.

The centre would feature a swimming pool, gym as well as an enhanced library and exercise studios (Image: Stockton Council)

Sketches show a “modern” leisure complex which developers say would bring the much-needed services “under one roof”.

An assessment previously found there is demand for 1,500 gym memberships in Stockton’s borough, while there is also an “under-provision” of swimming pools.

And despite Cllr Strike’s claims that land being sold to B&M by Tesco could be a possible site, the council say there isn’t a suitable alternative site.

The complex would be near All Saints Church of England Academy (Image: Stockton Council)

And Church Field Way resident Allan Mitchell said in his supporting statement the plans have his full backing.

“The central location is easily accessible by foot, bicycle and car, with additional parking available at Tesco,” he said.

“It brings a much needed and long awaited facility to Ingleby Barwick.”

The authority earmarked £3.2m towards the proposed centre in back in 2014, with the council’s cabinet then asked to front up a further £7m for the scheme.

Previously All Saints Academy headteacher Kevin Mann, said: “We are delighted to be involved in a project which will significantly enhance the facilities available to the people of Ingleby Barwick and would intend to make good use of the facilities ourselves for the benefit of our students.”